Victoria in Vancouver Island

"I'm on a boat". 

Weaving in and out of small little islands. 

Forming shadows for birds to shelter as they glided the water surface.

Arriving at Swartz Bay.

Sunken Gardens at the Butchart Gardens. In comparison with postcard photos, the photo isn't any spectacle because the flowers weren't all blooming yet. But the view was still pretty sweet. The centrepiece which is the large tree stood strong above the circular shaped plants below.

Another view from the sunken garden.

Jennie Butchart more than 100 years ago started planting on the quarry garden and it remains the best garden there. Among other gardens were Rose Garden, Italian Garden, Mediterannean garden, Japanese Garden. Below is the fireworks viewing area.

Sunken garden once again. By this time, it was getting late and we made the quick decision to extend our day trip to the next morning.

By night time camera batt running low, I could only get one picture each. The Parliament Building. In the day, the scene was laid back and relaxed, with friends singing songs by the waterfront and people savouring fish and chips on the floating platform.

The Empress hotel. Heading back along the streets of downtown, the nightlife beckoned. But we headed for our backpackers inn, Ocean Island, where we coincidentally bumped into Singaporean exchange students from UDub. Our bickering at the lobby in our distinct Singaporean accent gave us away.

Good morning was mega-huge pancakes for breakfast at Joe's place. 

Craigdorroch Castle built by a coal trader Robert Dansmuir in a rag-to-riches story. His wife, Joan, and their children lived the high-life here. Back then, the castle was on top of a hill overlooking a large green area. The grounds have been since reduced to just the castle building itself as it switched ownership to Victoria College, Victoria School Board, Victoria Conservatory of Music and finally to the Craigdorroch Castle Historical Museum.

We ended our visit with the nearby Governor House.

last picture courtesy of martin